Gloria M. (Sewell) Parrish

On Monday, March 30, 2020, Gloria M. Parrish (nee Sewell) beloved wife of Charles E. Parrish, Sr. for nearly 76 years passed.  Gloria was the loving mother of Patricia Dorr, Charles E. Parrish, Jr. (Deborah), James Parrish (Deborah), Robert Parrish (Lia), devoted grandmother of Leanne (Jim), Lawrence (Shana), Katherine, Gordon (Cassaundra), Matthew, Bethany, Dexter, and Edison, great grandmother of Lauren (Andrew), Kristen, Benson, Lennon.

Born to John Gordon and Evelyn Viola Sewell, Gloria was the first of their six children, her siblings; Edward, James, Gordon, Patrick and Patricia all grew-up in Highlandtown.  She met Charles (Bud) early in life as he lived just across the alley.  The two were inseparable, marrying in April of 1944.  Over the next 75 years Gloria and Bud would move a few times eventually calling the house on Boston Ave their home, where they raised their family.

Gloria was the gracious host; her home was always perfect.  She prided herself on caring for her family, ensuring every detail was just right.  Dinners were well prepared and regularly included a home-made desert.   She warmly held many Thanksgiving Dinners and Christmas Eve gatherings.  No small feat as the family grew to include spouses of her four children, eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren and of course her local family and friends.

Gloria wasn’t only devoted to ensuring her family was well cared for, Gloria also enjoyed socializing, being a member of the Bowling Team, her monthly pilgrimages to Atlantic City with her friends from Sacred Heart of Mary’s Church was a must –  she couldn’t miss out on the bus-bingo.  Gloria learned to ski when she was 53 and during the winter months a ski trip to Vermont was fun for all.  When skiing ending, she traveled the backroads of the country, from coast to coast, by car with Bud, her brother Ed and his wife Marge.

There weren’t too many things she wouldn’t try; she had a zest for living.  Gloria made a real difference in so many of our lives, whether she was your mom, your friend or a stranger she always cared.  Gloria Parrish will surely be missed.

Services and Interment are private by request of the family. The family will reach out to family and friends with more information about a memorial service in the future.